Taraweeh: 20th Night

This summary of the 20th Tarawîh covers the Twenty-first Juz; which is made up of part of Sûrah Ankabût, the entire Sûrah Rûm, Sûrah Luqman, Sûrah Sajdah, and a part of Sûrah Ahzâb) (up to verse 30).

Beginning of the Twenty-First Juz

Allâh addresses Rasulullâh juz saying. "Recite that of the Book, which has been revealed to you and establish Salâh. Verily Salâh forbids from obscenity and evil." (verse 45)

So that the Ahlul Kitâb [Jews and Christians] can accept Islâm, Allâh advises, "Only debate with the People of the Book with that which is best; save for those of them who are unjust. And say, 'We believe in what was revealed to us (the Qur'ân) and what was revealed to you (just as well). Our deity and your deity is One and we surrender to Him.'" (verse 46) .

Allâh mentions how strange it is that the Kuffâr believe that Rasulullâh wrote the Qur'ân whereas they all knew well that he was unlettered. It is obvious that the Qur'ân could have proceeded only from Allâh. Allâh addresses the Mu'minîn saying, "Oh My believing bondsmen! Indeed my earth is vast, so worship Me only (wherever you may go). Every soul shall taste death, after which you people will be returned to Us." (verse 56/71)

Later in the Sûrah, Allâh discusses 3annah and also mentions that all sustenance comes from Allâh only. Thereafter Allâh says that He will certainly guide those who strive in His cause. Allâh says, "We shall definitely show Our avenues to those who endure suffering in Our cause. Verily Allâh is certainly with those who do good." (verse 69)

After Sûrah Ankabût, Sûrah Rûm begins by telling people that although the Persians defeated the Romans in battle, the Mu'minîn will be pleased to note that the Romans will be victorious within a few years. Thereafter, Allâh cites numerous signs that denote His great power and might. Allâh then asserts that Islâm is true and cannot be altered. Allâh adds, "This is the upright religion, but most people do not know." (verse 30)

Allâh also announces to people that trade involving interest can never be profitable because it is Harâm and devoid of blessings. Blessings are in that wealth from which Zakâh is paid. Allâh says in verse 39, "Whatever interest you give to increase people's wealth does not increase in Allâh's sight. Whatever you give in zakâh, seeking Allâh's pleasure, then such people truly multiply (their rewards)."

Allâh also tells Rasulullâh it that there will be some people who will never accept the truth despite his most concerted efforts. This is because the seal of ignorance has been stamped on their hearts. The entire Sûrah Rûm centres around the following three subjects:

The purpose behind the creation of everything.

The proofs of Tauhîd.

Islâm is a natural endowment.

After Sûrah Rûm, Sûrah Luqmân commences by stating, "These are verses of the Wise Book (the Qur'ân, which is a means of) guidance and mercy for those who do good." Thereafter, Allâh speaks about another breed of people when He says (in verse 6) that there are those who seek futile pastimes which deviate them from remembering Allâh. Allâh then conveys the message of Tauhîd."

Later in the Sûrah, Allâh speaks about Hadhrat Luqmân and quotes his words of advice. Allâh says, "We certainly granted wisdom to Luqmân (inspiring him) to express gratitude to Allâh. Whoever will be grateful to Allâh, expresses gratitude for his own benefit. As for him who is ungrateful, Allâh is certainly Independent, Most Worthy of praise." (verse 12)

Hadhrat Luqmân never perpetrated shirk and he also enjoined his children never to commit this vile act. Allâh declares, "Oh people!

Fear Allâh and beware of the day when a father will be of no avail to his son, nor will a child be of any avail to his father" (verse 33). The Sûrah also advises man not to walk with pride, not to turn one's face away from another, and not to raise his voice because the worst of all sounds is the braying of the donkey. Allâh then repeats the message of Tauhîd when He cites various bounties that He has bestowed on man.

Allâh concludes Sûrah Luqmân with the verse: "Verily the knowledge of Qiyâmah is only with Allâh, He sends the rains and knows what is in the wombs. A soul does not know what it will earn tomorrow and does not know which land it will die in. Undoubtedly Allâh is All Knowing, All Informed."

Sûrah Sajdah begins after Sûrah Luqmân and discusses the truth of the Qur'ân and the distinction of man. Allâh states that the Kuffâr are truly foolish to believe that although Allâh created the heavens, the earth and all of creation, he could not reveal the Qur'ân. Allâh says about these rejecters, "Who is more unjust than he who is reminded of the verses of his Rabb and then turns away from them? We will certainly exact retribution from the criminals." (verse 22)

Allâh concludes the Sûrah by telling Rasulullâh Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam it, "So turn away from them and wait. They are also waiting." (verse 30)

Allâh then begins Sûrah Ahzâb by saying, "Oh Nabî Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam. Fear Allâh and do not follow the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Undoubtedly Allâh is ever the All Knowing, the Wise. Follow what has been revealed to you from your Rabb. Allâh is Ever Informed of what you do."

Allâh makes it clear in this Sûrah that he has neither granted any wife the status of her husband's mother nor has He granted any adopted child the status of a biological child. Allâh says that adopted children will retain the name of their biological fathers and should not be referred to as the children of the adoptive father.

Allâh says about Rasulullâh and his wives, "The Nabî Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam has a greater relationship with the Mu'minîn than even their own selves, and his wives are their mothers." (verse 6)

In verse 19 Allâh speaks about those people who refuse to participate in jihâd out of fear for Jihâd itself or out of fear for death. Allâh says about them: "These are the ones who do not believe, so Allâh annihilates their acts." Towards the end of the Sûrah Allâh tells people, "There is definitely an excellent example in Allâh's Nabî Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam for the one who fears Allâh and the Last Day, and remembers Allâh abundantly." (verse 21)

May Allâh make us practise habitually upon the teachings of the Sharî'ah and have perfect trust in Him. May He cast us into the mould of Islâm and allow us to follow in the footsteps of Rasulullâh Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam. ­Âmîn.